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The defender suffered the injury during City’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, going down with the problem in the second half after a collision with Malo Gusto.

Gvardiol has featured in 16 of City’s 20 Premier League games this season, winning the fourth-most tackles for Pep Guardiola’s side (13) and winning 55.2 percent of his duels.

The Croatia international has directly contributed to four goals in the English top-flight this season as City sits six points behind Arsenal in the title race.

City released a statement that said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Josko Gvardiol has suffered a tibial fracture to his right leg.

“The injury was sustained during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

“The defender will have surgery later this week and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

“Everyone at the Club wishes Josko a speedy recovery.”

City has a busy month ahead, with an FA Cup tie against Exeter coming up on the weekend after its league fixture against Brighton.

City will then face Newcastle United at St. James Park in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, while it also faces Manchester United in the league on 17 January.

Guardiola’s team also has Champions League matches against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray either side of a league game at home to Wolves.